Protective case with card storage

ABSTRACT

A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a cushion layer and a structural layer. The cushion layer is configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The structural layer is configured to surround at least a portion of the cushion layer. The structural layer includes a back portion, at least two side walls, a slot in the back portion for removably retaining a card, and a rack and pinion system configured for selectively ejecting the card, at least partially, from the slot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/962,304, filed Dec. 8, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/281,705, filed on May 19, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,241,551, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/887,924, filed Oct. 7, 2013, the content of eachhereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Personal electronic devices are commonly used for communication andentertainment purposes. Examples of personal electronic devices includesmartphones, tablets, audio players, video players, cameras, portablecomputers, two-way radios, and GPS receivers. As these devices become anincreasingly important part of peoples' daily activities, it isdesirable to create new protective cases that not only protectelectronic devices from damage, but also serve other useful purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows three views of a protective case with a compartment forstoring items. The upper left view shows a rear perspective view of theprotective case. The upper right view shows a front perspective view ofthe protective case. The lower view shows a side perspective view of theprotective case with a sliding drawer in an open position.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 1,where a sliding drawer is completely detached from a back side surfaceof the protective case.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with acompartment.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 3with a compartment door in an open position revealing a driver's licensestored within the compartment.

FIG. 5 shows five rear views of the protective case of FIG. 3 with acompartment door in open and closed positions. The leftmost view shows arear perspective view of the protective case with the compartment doorin an open position. The lower central view shows a rear view of theprotective case with the compartment door in a closed position. Theupper right view shows a rear perspective view of the protective casewith the compartment door in an open position exposing a driver'slicense stored within the compartment. The middle right view shows apartial rear perspective view of the protective case with thecompartment door in an open position. The lower right view shows a rearperspective view of the protective case with the compartment door in aclosed position.

FIG. 6 shows four rear perspective views of a protective case with afirst slot configured to receive and store a first card and a secondslot configured to receive and store a second card.

FIG. 7A-7C show three protective cases, each having a slot configured toreceive a card, and each having a mechanism for ejecting the card fromthe slot.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the protective case of FIG.6 taken along section A-A and exposing a first slot and a second slotwithin the protective case, where the first and second slots are eachconfigured to receive and store a card.

FIG. 9 shows a rear cross-sectional view of the protective case of FIG.6 exposing a portion of a rack and pinion style ejection mechanism and acredit card positioned within the first slot, where the section is takenalong a plane that is parallel to and offset from a rear planar surfaceof the protective case and perpendicular to both the top and bottomplanar surfaces of the protective case.

FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a protective case with acompartment door in a partially open position revealing dedicatedlocations for storing credit cards, cash, and subscriber identity module(“SIM”) cards within the compartment.

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with acompartment door in an open position revealing four pass throughlocations adapted to receive one or more SIM cards against a flexiblecushion layer.

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged front view of a SIM card storage unit beside afront perspective view of a protective case with a compartment door inan open position revealing a removable SIM card storage unit positionedwithin a compartment in the protective case.

FIG. 13 shows three views of a protective case, each having acompartment with storage slots adapted to receive and store items. Theleftmost view shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with acompartment door in a closed position. The center view shows a frontperspective view of a protective case housing an electronic device,where the protective case has a compartment door in an open positionexposing a card. The rightmost view shows a front view of a protectivecase housing an electronic device and having a compartment door in anopen position exposing three SIM cards arranged side by side within acompartment.

FIG. 14 shows three views of a protective case with a compartment tostore items and pockets within an interior surface of the case, wherethe pockets are configured to capture and safely store one or more SIMcards. The upper left view shows a rear perspective view of a protectivecase with a compartment door in a closed position. The upper right viewshows a front perspective view of a protective case containing three SIMcards, each stored in a pocket disposed within an interior surface ofthe protective case. The lower view shows a side perspective view of aprotective case containing three SIM cards, each stored in a pocketdisposed within an interior surface of the protective case, and a creditcard disposed in a compartment formed in a sliding compartment door.

FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of aprotective case with a compartment, where the case includes dedicatedstorage slots for SIM cards in a rear portion of the case.

FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of a protective case with acompartment, where the case includes storage slots for one or more SIMcards in the sliding drawer.

FIG. 17 shows three views of a protective case with a compartment, wherethe compartment is adapted to receive a credit card, identificationcard, or a storage tray containing a plurality of memory storingdevices.

FIG. 18 shows a storage tray that is adapted to receive one or more of aSIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, and micro SD card.

FIG. 19 shows a storage tray that is adapted to receive one or more of aSIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, SD card, and micro SD card.

FIG. 20 shows a front perspective view of a storage tray that is adaptedto receive one or more of a SIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, SDcard, and micro SD card.

FIG. 21 shows a rear perspective view of a storage tray that is adaptedto receive one or more of a SIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, SDcard, and micro SD card.

FIG. 22 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case that isadapted to receive and electrically connect one or more SIM cards to aSIM port of an electronic device housed in the protective case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In many instances, it can be desirable to have a protective case 100that is capable of storing a wide variety of personal items, such ascash, keys, computer memory cards, payment cards (e.g. debit or creditcards), employee badge, and/or a driver's license. The ability to storeitems in protective case 100 can allow a user to leave their wallet orpurse at home when only relatively small items need to be transported.The solutions described herein include a variety of protective cases,each having a compartment for storing items. Unlike conventionalwallets, which rely on leather or fabric sleeves to retain a payment oridentification card and leave a portion of the card exposed, thesolutions described herein do not leave the card exposed whatsoever andthereby provide greater security against theft or loss of the card.Also, the solutions described herein provide far greater protection fromdamage for stored items than traditional purses and wallets, and in someexamples, also provide protection against liquids, dirt, and/or dust byincorporating a sealing compartment. Various examples of protectivecases with compartments are presented in the accompanying figures andare described in detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a protective case 100 for a personalelectronic device can include sliding drawer 105 configured to receive acard 165, such as a payment card or driver's license. The sliding drawer105 can slidably attach to a back side surface 150, as shown in FIG. 2,of the protective case 100. The card 165 can reside in a compartmentlocated within the protective case. In one example, the compartment canbe a volume bounded, in part, by the inner surface of the sliding drawer105 and the back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. The card165 can be accessible when the sliding drawer 105 is in an openedposition, as shown in the lower view in FIG. 1, and can be completelyconcealed when the sliding drawer is in a closed position, as shown inthe upper left view in FIG. 1. The card 165 can nest inside the slidingdrawer 105 such that the card is visible to the user when the slidingdrawer is opened and the user is viewing a display screen of thepersonal electronic device. This configuration can permit the user toretrieve the card 165 from the sliding drawer 105 while holding theelectronic device is an orientation that permits the user to continueviewing and interacting with the display screen of the electronicdevice. In some instances, the user may be submitting paymentinformation through a website accessed with the electronic device. Toview a credit card number for entry, the user may simply open thesliding drawer, view the number, and enter the number into a paymentfiled on the website.

The sliding drawer 105 can have an inner surface 175 that is configuredto accommodate a standard card. Specifically, the inner surface 175 ofthe sliding drawer 105 can define a rectangular cavity having a lengthof about 3.38 inches and a width of about 2.13 inches. In one instance,the dimensions of the inner surface 175 of the sliding drawer 105 can beslightly larger than the dimensions of a standard card to ease insertionand removal of the card into and from, respectively, the sliding drawer.For instance, the rectangular cavity within the sliding drawer can havea length of about 3.38-3.40, 3.38-3.43, 3.38-3.48, or 3.38-3.58 inchesand a width of about 2.13-2.15, 2.13-2.18, 2.13-2.23, or 2.13-2.33inches

The sliding drawer 105 can include a relief 170, as shown in FIG. 1,which can be about the size of a fingertip and can make the card easierto retrieve from the sliding drawer. The relief 170 can be centrallylocated along the bottom edge of the sliding drawer 105. Alternately,the relief can be located at the left or right side of the bottom edgeof the sliding drawer 105 or along the right side edge or left side edgeof the sliding drawer.

The sliding drawer 105 can attach to the protective case 100 using arail system. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slidingdrawer 105 can include a first rail 125 disposed along a first edge ofthe sliding drawer and a second rail 130 disposed along a second edge ofthe sliding drawer, where the first edge of the sliding drawer isopposite the second edge of the sliding drawer. The protective case 100can include a first rail receiver 140 located proximate a first edge ofthe back side surface 150 and a second rail receiver 145 locatedproximate a second edge of the back side surface. The first railreceiver 140 can be configured to receive the first rail 125 on thesliding drawer 105, and the second rail receiver 145 can be configuredto receive the second rail 130 on the sliding drawer.

In an alternate configuration, the sliding drawer 105 can include afirst rail receiver disposed along a first edge and a second railreceiver disposed along a second edge, where the first edge of thesliding drawer is opposite the second edge of the sliding drawer. Theprotective case 100 can include a first rail located proximate a firstedge of the back side surface 150 of the protective case and a secondrail located proximate a second edge of the back side surface. The firstrail can be configured to engage the first rail receiver, and where thesecond rail can be configured to engage the second rail on the slidingdrawer when the sliding drawer is attached to the protective case.

The sliding drawer 105 can include one or more detents 160 configured tosecure the sliding drawer in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 1, thedetents 160 can be raised semi-spherical detents that are configured toengage in correspondingly shaped recesses 155 located on the back sidesurface 150 of the protective case 100. Although the detents 160 areshown proximate a bottom edge of the sliding drawer 105 in FIG. 1, thisis not limiting. The detents 160 can be located in any suitablelocation. For instance, the detents 160 could be located proximate a topedge of the sliding drawer 105.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protective case 100 can include aflexible cushion layer 110 that fits within a cavity of a structurallayer 115. The flexible cushion layer 110 can absorb and dissipateimpact forces associated with dropping the protective case onto theground. The flexible cushion layer 110 can cover at least a back surfaceof the personal electronic device. The flexible cushion layer 110 canalso cover a top surface and a bottom surface of the electronic deviceas well as left side surface and a right side surface of the electronicdevice. As a result of this surface coverage, the flexible cushion layer110 can protect the electronic device from scuffs, scratches, or othersurface damage.

The flexible cushion layer 110 can be made of any suitable material,such as a saturated or unsaturated elastomer. Examples of suitablematerials include, but are not limited to, silicon rubbers andthermoplastic elastomers (TPE), including silicone-based thermoplastics.The flexible cushion layer 110 can have any suitable hardness. In oneexample, the flexible cushion layer 110 can have a hardness of 30-70,30-50, or 40-50 Shore A. The flexible cushion layer 110 can be formedthrough an injection molding process or other suitable manufacturingprocess. The flexible cushion layer 110 can have a thickness of about0.005 to 0.25, 0.005 to 0.1, 0.01 to 0.08, 0.01 to 0.06, 0.01 to 0.05,or 0.01 to 0.04 in.

The structural layer 115 can be made from any suitable material such asa thermoplastic polymer. The structural layer 115 can include metal,wood, polycarbonate (PC), nylon, composite (e.g. carbon fibercomposite), or glass filled nylon. Alternately, any other material, orcombination of materials, that provide suitable rigidity to theprotective enclosure 100 can be used in manufacturing the structurallayer 115.

The protective case 100 can include a retention spring 120 extendingfrom a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100, as shown inFIG. 2. The retention spring 120 can be configured to provide a springforce against an inner surface 175 of the sliding drawer 105 to resistopening of the sliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closedposition. The retention spring 120 can include a first end that isattached to the back side surface 150 and a second end that is oppositethe first end. The second end of the retention spring 120 can include adetent or other suitable retention feature configured to engage acorresponding retention feature located on an inner surface 175 of thesliding drawer 105. In another example, the retention spring 120 can beconfigured to provide a spring force against a card 165 located in thesliding drawer 105 compartment, thereby pressing the card against theinner surface 175 of the sliding drawer and preventing the card fromrattling within the compartment.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the protective case 200 can include a compartmentdoor 205 located proximate a back side surface 210 of the protectivecase. The compartment door 205 can open to permit access to acompartment located within the protective case 200. The compartment canbe configured to receive a card 165, as shown in FIG. 4. In anotherexample, the compartment can be configured to receive cash or personalitems such as, for example, a key, ring, cosmetics (e.g. powder), toolsfor cosmetics (e.g. cosmetic brushes), or lip balm. In one example, theprotective case 100 can serve as a suitable replacement for a compactand can include a mirror, pressed or loose powder, and a powderapplication tool, such as a brush or puff. The protective case 100 caninclude a quantity of cosmetics (e.g. pressed powder) disposed within acosmetics receptacle, such as a shallow container, formed in thecompartment. A cosmetic tool for applying the cosmetics can be removablyattached to an inner surface of the compartment. The cosmetic tool canbe attached to the inner surface of the compartment with adhesive, hookand loop fastener, snap fit, keeper, or any other suitable method ofattachment. In one example, the cosmetic tool can be stored into a longslender opening in the protective case, similar to the way a stylus isstored within certain handheld computers.

A mirror can be attached to an inner surface of the compartment door215, sliding drawer 105, or to a back side surface 150 of the protectivecase (e.g. 100, 200). The mirror can be attached with adhesive or anyother suitable fastener. The mirror can include a substrate materialcoated with a reflective material such as, for example, glass coatedwith a thin layer of silver or aluminum. To provide a durable mirrorthat can withstand drops without shattering, the mirror can be made ofGORILLA GLASS coated with a thin layer of silver or aluminum. In otherexamples, the mirror can be made of polished metal or metal foil and maynot include glass.

The compartment door 205 can be attached to the protective case 200 by ahinge 215. The hinge 215 can be a living hinge. In one example, theliving hinge can be made of the same material as the compartment door205, but can be significantly thinner to permit flexing. In anotherexample, the living hinge can be overmolded onto the compartment door205 and can include a thermoplastic elastomer.

The compartment door 205 can include a first recess 220 and a secondrecess 225. The first and second recesses (220, 225) can allow the userto secure an opposable grip on the compartment door 205. Specifically,the user can place a thumb in either the first or second recesses (220,225) and a forefinger in the remaining recess. By pinching thecompartment door 205 at the first and second recesses simultaneously,retention features on the compartment door can release from the backside surface 210 of the protective case 200, thereby permitting the userto open and access the compartment and also providing a multi-stepprocess that prevents inadvertent opening of the compartment.

The protective case 200 can include a card clip 230, as shown in FIG. 4.The card clip 230 can provide a compressive force that presses the card165 against the back side surface 210 of the protective case 200 whenthe card is stored in the compartment. The compressive force can preventthe card 165 from falling out of the compartment if the compartment door205 opens inadvertently. In one example, the card clip 230 can be springloaded to provide a suitable compressive force against the card 165. Inanother example, the clearance between the back side surface 210 and aninner surface of the card clip 230 can be sufficiently narrow to providea suitable compressive force against the card 165. In this example, theclearance between the back side surface 210 and an inner surface of thecard clip 230 may be less than the thickness of the card 165, and thecard clip may deflect outwardly slightly to accommodate the card.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the protective case 300 can include a first slot305 that serves as a compartment for storing a first card 165. Theprotective case 300 can include an ejection mechanism disposed withinthe protective case 300. The ejection mechanism can be connected to adial 315. Rotation of the dial 315 in a first direction can cause theejection mechanism to eject the first card 165 from the first slot 305entirely. Alternately, rotation of the dial 315 in a first direction cancause the ejection mechanism to eject at least a portion of the firstcard 165 from the first slot 305, as shown in FIG. 6. For instance,rotation of the dial 315 in a first direction can cause about 1-5%,5-15%, 15-30%, 30-50%, or 50-75% of the first card 165 to be ejectedfrom the first slot 305, which can permit the user to easily grasp andwithdraw the first card form the first slot.

The protective case 300 can include a second slot 310 that serves as acompartment for storing a second card 165. Rotation of the dial 315 in asecond direction, opposite the first direction, can cause the ejectionmechanism to eject the second card 165 from the second slot entirely.Alternately, rotation of the dial 315 in a second direction, oppositethe first direction, can cause the ejection mechanism to eject at leasta portion of the second card 165 from the second slot 310, as shown inFIG. 7A. For instance, rotation of the dial 315 in a second directioncan cause about 1-5%, 5-15%, 15-30%, 30-50, or 50-75% of the second card165 to be ejected from the second slot 310, which can permit the user toeasily grasp and withdraw the card from the second slot.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the protective case 300 ofFIG. 6 taken along section A-A. FIG. 9 shows a rear cross-sectional viewof the protective case 300 of FIG. 6. The first and second slots (305,310) can be arranged in a stacked configuration. In one example, thefirst slot 305 can be positioned between the back side surface 325 andthe second slot 310, as shown in FIG. 8. In another example, the secondslot 310 can be positioned between the back side surface 325 and thefirst slot 305. To maintain a thin protective case, the first and secondslots (305, 310) can be separated by a thin divider.

The ejection mechanism can include any suitable mechanical components toconvert rotational motion from the dial 315 into translational motionrequired to eject the card from the slot (e.g. 305, 310). In oneexample, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ejection mechanism can include arack and pinion system configured to convert rotational motion from thedial 315 into translational motion required to eject the card 165 fromthe slot (e.g. 305, 310). The dial 315 can include a first gearconfigured to engage a second gear 340, as shown in FIG. 8. The secondgear 340 can be attached to a shaft that extends downward from thesecond gear and through the first and second slots (305, 310). The shaftcan include a first pinion 345 configured to engage a first rack 330disposed in the first slot 305, as shown in FIG. 9. The shaft can alsoinclude a second pinion 350 configured to engage a second rack 335disposed in the second slot 310, as shown in FIG. 10. The first rack 330can include a finger portion that engages a side edge of the card 165.In the example shown in FIG. 9, rotation of the first pinion 345 in aclockwise direction will cause the first rack 330 to travel leftward,causing the finger portion to apply a force against the side of the card165, thereby causing at least a portion of the card to eject from thefirst slot 305.

The ejection mechanism can include a clutch or other suitable mechanismto prevent the first card from being ejected when the user rotates thedial 315 to eject the second card. For instance, the ejection mechanismcan include a first clutch located between the shaft and the firstpinion 345. The first clutch can disengage when the shaft is rotated ina first direction, resulting in the first pinion 345 remainingstationary and the first card 165 remaining in the first slot 305.Likewise, the ejection mechanism can include a clutch or other suitablemechanism to prevent the second card from being ejected when the userrotates the dial 315 to eject the first card. For instance, the ejectionmechanism can include a second clutch located between the shaft and thesecond pinion 350. The second clutch can disengage when the shaft isrotated in a second direction, resulting in the second pinion 350remaining stationary and the second card remaining in the second slot310.

To prevent the cards from inadvertently exiting the slots (305, 310)during everyday use, each slot can be sized to provide a slightinterference fit between the card and interior surfaces of the slot. Inone example, the interior surface of the slot can be covered with a softmaterial or fabric, which can deflect as the card is inserted into theslot. During the ejection process, the ejection mechanism can applysufficient force to the card to overcome resistance created by theinterference fit.

Although a rack and pinion system is shown and described in detail, thisdoes not limit the ejection mechanism. In another example, the ejectionmechanism can include a pulley and sprocket system. In yet anotherexample, the ejection mechanism can include a screw system that convertsrotational motion to translational motion.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the protective case 400 can include an ejectionmechanism that employs a slider. The slider 410 can include a catchconfigured to engage a side edge of the card 165 and push the card outof the slot 405 when the slider is actuated. Although only one slot 405is shown, the protective case 400 can include a second slot configuredto receive a second card.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the protective case 500 can include a slot 505configured to receive a card 165. The ejection mechanism can include adial 515 with a raised portion 520. The raised portion 520 can make thedial easier to grasp and rotate, which can be desirable for certainusers, such as those suffering from arthritis in their fingers. Althoughonly one slot 505 is shown, the protective case 500 can include a secondslot configured to receive a second card.

In one example, a protective case for a personal electronic device caninclude a sliding drawer configured to receive a card, where the slidingdrawer is slidably attached to a back side surface of the protectivecase, where the card is accessible when the sliding drawer is in anopened position, and where the card is completely concealed when thesliding drawer is in a closed position. The protective case can includea retention spring extending from a back side surface of the protectivecase. The retention spring can be configured to provide a spring forceagainst an inner surface of the sliding drawer to resist opening of thesliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Theretention spring can be configured to press the card against the innersurface of the sliding drawer and prevent the card from rattling withinthe sliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Thesliding drawer can include one or more detents configured to secure thesliding drawer in a closed position. The protective case can include astructural layer comprising a cavity, and a flexible cushion layerconfigured to cover at least a back surface of the personal electronicdevice and fit within the cavity of the structural layer.

In one configuration, the sliding drawer can include a first raildisposed along a first edge and a second rail disposed along a secondedge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer is opposite the secondedge of the sliding drawer, where the protective case includes a firstrail receiver located proximate a first edge of the back side surfaceand a second rail receiver located proximate a second edge of the backside surface, where the first rail receiver is configured to receive thefirst rail on the sliding drawer, and where the second rail receiver isconfigured to receive the second rail on the sliding drawer.

In another configuration, the sliding drawer can include a first railreceiver disposed along a first edge and a second rail receiver disposedalong a second edge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer isopposite the second edge of the sliding drawer, where the protectivecase includes a first rail located proximate a first edge of the backside surface and a second rail located proximate a second edge of theback side surface, where the first rail is configured to engage thefirst rail receiver, and where the second rail is configured to engagethe second rail on the sliding drawer when the sliding drawer isattached to the protective case.

The sliding drawer can include an inner surface having a rectangularcavity configured to receive a card, where the rectangular cavity has alength of about 3.38-3.48 inches and a width of about 2.13-2.23 inches.The card can be a payment card or a driver's license.

A protective case for a personal electronic device can include acompartment door located proximate a back side surface of the protectivecase, a hinge attaching the compartment door to the back side surface ofthe protective case, and a compartment defined by a volume locatedbetween the compartment door and the back side surface of the protectivecase, where the compartment is configured to receive a card, where thecard is accessible when the compartment door is in an opened position,and where the card is completely concealed when the compartment door isin a closed position. The hinge can be a living hinge and can be made ofa thermoplastic elastomer. The protective case can include a card clipextending from the back side surface of the protective case andconfigured to provide a compressive force against the card when the cardis inserted between the back side surface of the protective case and aninner surface of the card clip. The card clip can be spring loaded.

A protective case for a personal electronic device can include a firstslot configured to receive a first card, and an ejection mechanismconnected to a dial, where rotation of the dial in a first directioncauses the ejection mechanism to eject at least a portion of the firstcard from the first slot. The protective case can also include a secondslot configured to receive a second card, where rotation of the dial ina second direction opposite the first direction causes the ejectionmechanism to eject at least a portion of the second card from the secondslot. The first card can be a payment card, and the second card can be adriver's license.

A subscriber identity module (SIM) is an integrated circuit thatsecurely stores the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) andrelated key used to identify and authenticate a subscriber on a mobiletelephony device, such as mobile phone or computer. A SIM integratedcircuit can be embedded into a removable plastic card called a “SIMcard,” which can be transferred between different mobile devices. EachSIM card can contain one or more of the following features: a uniqueintegrated circuit card identifier (ICCID), international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI), security authentication and cipheringinformation, temporary information related to a local network, a list ofservices a user has access to, a password for a personal identificationnumber (PIN) for ordinary use, and a personal unblocking code (PUK) forPIN unlocking. SIM cards are available in several sizes, includingfull-size and mini, micro, and nano sizes.

When traveling from a first country to a second country, a user may needto remove a first SIM card from the electronic device and replace itwith a second SIM card to permit the user to access a network in thesecond country. The second SIM card can also permit the user to have alocal telephone number in the second country, which may be desirable forcertain business reasons and for reducing call costs (e.g. by avoidingroaming costs). When the user removes the first SIM card, the user mustfind a safe place to store the first SIM card. Due to their small size,it is relatively easy to misplace or lose a SIM card, and due to theirfragile nature, it is relatively easy to damage a SIM card if not storedcarefully. To avoid this type of loss or damage, it can be desirable tohave a convenient place to store a SIM card immediately after it isremoved from the electronic device. In certain instances, a protectivecase for an electronic device can be adapted to store and protect one ormore SIM cards.

FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a protective case 100 for anelectronic device such as, for example, a smartphone or computer. Theprotective case 100 can include a sliding drawer 105, which is shown inan opened position revealing locations for a credit card, driver'slicense, cash, and one or more SIM cards 185. The sliding drawer 105 caninclude one or more partitions 180 that subdivide the inner surface 175of the sliding drawer 105 to accommodate one or more of the itemsmentioned above. In one example, the sliding drawer 105 can includepartitions 180 arranged to provide snap in locations for one or more SIMcards 185. Alternately, the inner surface 175 of the sliding drawer 105can include any suitable feature or mechanism to retain each SIM card185 and prevent each SIM card from moving around within the compartmentor potentially falling out of the compartment when the sliding drawer105 is opened.

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case 100 for anelectronic device such as, for example, a smartphone or computer. Theprotective case 100 can include sliding drawer 105, which is shown in anopened position revealing one or more SIM cards 185 disposed within anopening in a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. Theopening 186 can be adapted to receive one or more SIM cards 185. Asshown in FIG. 11, the opening (or pocket) 186 can pass through astructural layer 115 of the protective case 100 and thereby allow one ormore SIM cards to rest against the flexible cushion layer 110, which mayhelp to protect the SIM cards from drop-induced damage. Thisconfiguration may also provide more room inside the sliding drawer forstoring items such as credit cards, cash, or keys.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of a SIM card storage tray 190 positionedbeside a front perspective view of a protective case 100 with acompartment in an opened position revealing a removable SIM card storagetray. The SIM card storage tray 190 can include one or more storageslots 195 adapted to receive one or more SIM cards 185. In one instance,a SIM card 185 can slide into a storage slot 195 and be held in place bya friction fit. The SIM card storage unit 190 can be adapted to fitwithin a compartment in the protective case 100. For instance, the SIMcard storage tray 190 can have a length and width that are similar to acredit card 165, but the SIM card storage tray 190 may be thicker than acredit card 165 to accommodate and protect the one or more SIM cards185.

The SIM card storage tray 190 can be removable from the protective case100. A user may choose to keep the SIM card storage unit 190 in thesliding drawer 105 when traveling internationally to provide quickaccess to the one or more SIM cards stored therein, but the user maychoose to remove the SIM card storage unit 190 from the sliding drawerwhen not traveling and not frequently changing SIM cards. The removableSIM storage tray 190 can protect the one or more SIM cards from damageand can be stored, for example, in a suitcase or dresser drawer when notstored in the protective case 100. Removing the storage unit 190 fromthe compartment can free up space for cards, cash, or personal items.Consequently, having a removable SIM card storage tray 190 can increasethe functionality of the protective case 100 by allowing the carryingcapacity of the protective case to be modified depending on whether ornot frequent changing of SIM cards is anticipated.

In one example, a protective case 100 for a personal electronic devicecan include a sliding drawer adapted to receive a SIM card storage tray190, as shown in FIG. 12. The SIM card storage tray 190 can include oneor more storage slots 195 each adapted to receive a SIM card. Thesliding drawer 105 can be slidably attached to a back side surface ofthe protective case 100. The SIM card storage tray 190 can be accessiblewhen the sliding drawer 105 is in an open position, and the SIM cardstorage tray can be concealed when the sliding drawer is in a closedposition.

FIG. 13 shows several views of a protective case 100 with a slidingdrawer 105. The rightmost view shows the sliding drawer 105 in an openedposition revealing three SIM cards 185 separated by partitions 180. Thepartitions 180 can allow the SIM cards to be snapped into place forstorage and protection. The partitions 180 can provide a friction fitthat suitably retains each SIM card in place, but also permits each SIMcard to be removed relatively easily with a finger or a removal tool.For instance, at least one corner of each SIM card may be exposed, asshown in FIG. 13, thereby permitting a user to free each SIM card usinga finger.

FIG. 14 shows several views of a protective case 100 that is adapted tostore one or more SIM cards 185. The SIM cards 185 can be stored withinthe protective case 100 behind the electronic device. The inside surfaceof the protective case 100 can include one or more openings each adaptedto receive a SIM card 185. As shown in FIG. 13, the protective case 100can include three openings each adapted to receive a SIM card 185. Theopenings can be formed in the flexible cushion layer 110. Each openingcan be slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the SIM card,thereby permitting the SIM card to be pressed into the opening and beretained by friction.

FIG. 15 shows a front and rear perspective view of a protective case 100for an electronic device. The protective case 100 is adapted to receiveand store one or more SIM cards 185. Specifically, the protective case100 can include one or more storage slots 187 that are adapted to eachreceive a SIM card 185. The one or more storage slots 187 can be formedin the structural layer 115 of the protective case 100. In one example,each storage slot 187 can provide a friction fit that is suitable toretain each SIM card. In another example, each storage slot 187 caninclude a spring-loaded mechanism, which can be any of the various typesof spring-loaded mechanisms commonly used in flash and SD card slots indigital cameras and portable computers.

Removing the electronic device from the protective case 100 exposes thedevice to potential damage from, for example, drops. Therefore, it canbe desirable to change the SIM card 185 in the electronic device withoutremoving the electronic device from the protective case 100. Toaccomplish this, the protective case 100 can provide access to the SIMcard slot in the electronic device. For example, as shown in FIG. 15,the protective case 100 can include an access flap 188 that allows auser to exchange the SIM card without removing the protective case. Theaccess flap 188 can be formed in the flexible cushion layer 110 of theprotective case 100 and can be attached to the flexible cushion layerby, for example, a living hinge.

As shown in FIG. 16, the protective case 100 can include a slidingdrawer or door 105 that is adapted to receive one or more SIM cards 185.The sliding drawer 105 can include one or more storage slots 187 eachadapted to receive a SIM card 185. Each SIM card 185 can slide into acorresponding storage slot 187 located on the inner surface 175 of thesliding drawer 105. When a SIM card 185 is installed in the storage slot187, a slight interference fit may be provided between opposing storageslot rails and the SIM card to ensure the SIM card does not unwantedlyexit the storage slot and bounce around within the compartment where itmight suffer damage under certain conditions. The rails of the storageslot can be formed by suitable manufacturing process, such as aninjection molding process.

A storage card 600 is shown in FIG. 17. The storage card 600 can beadapted to receive and store a variety of items, such as a SIM card 185,a removable memory card 605 (e.g. secure digital memory card), or a SIMeject tool 610 (e.g. paper clip). The storage card 600 can have asimilar length and width as a credit card and can fit within a storagecompartment of a protective case 100. FIGS. 18 and 19 show a variety ofconfigurations of SIM cards 185, removable memory cards 605, and SIMeject tools 610 attached to various storage cards 600. FIG. 20 shows afront perspective view of two storage cards 600, and FIG. 21 shows arear perspective view of two storage cards. The front surface of thestorage cards 600 may include one or more pockets adapted to receive oneor more types of SIM cards, removable memory cards, or tools (e.g. SIMeject tools).

FIG. 22 shows a protective case 100 adapted to receive one or more SIMcards 185. To avoid the step of physically exchanging SIM cards, theprotective case 100 can include one or more SIM cards 185 that areelectrically connected to a SIM port on the electronic device. A usercan select from among the one or more SIM cards 185 using a selectorswitch 615 located on an outer surface of the protective case 100. Forinstance, when the user is travels from a first country to a secondcountry, the user can use the selector switch to electrically connect aSIM card that is compatible with a network in the second country to theSIM port on the electrical device. This allows the user to easily selecta SIM card without needing to remove the electronic device from the caseand physically exchange the SIM cards.

In one example, a protective case 100 for a personal electronic devicecan include one or more storage slots each adapted to receive a uniqueSIM card 185. The one or more storage slots can each be electricallyconnected to a selector switch 615 that allows a user to manually selectwhich SIM card should be electrically connected to the electronic devicehoused within the protective case (see, e.g., FIG. 22). This featureallows a user to travel between countries and, instead of having tomanually remove and replace the SIM card during each journey, the usercan simply use the selector switch 615 to choose the appropriate SIMcard depending on location.

In one example, a protective case 100 for a personal electronic devicecan include a first slot 305 configured to receive a first card, such asa payment card (e.g. credit, debit, or gift card) or identification card(e.g. student identification card, driver's license, employee badge,medical insurance card, or Social Security card). The protective case100 can include an ejection mechanism connected to a dial (see, e.g.FIG. 7), where rotation of the dial in a first direction causes theejection mechanism to eject at least a portion of the first card fromthe first slot 305, thereby permitting a user to easily retrieve thefirst card form the first slot. In some examples, the protective case100 can also include a second slot 310 configured to receive a secondcard, where rotation of the dial in a second direction opposite thefirst direction causes the ejection mechanism to eject at least aportion of the second card from the second slot, thereby allowing a userto easily retrieve the second card from the second slot. In someinstances, the dial can include a finger recess to enhance ease of useof use.

A protective case 100 for a personal electronic device can include asliding drawer 105 comprising an inner surface having a rectangularcavity configured to receive a credit or identification card 165. Therectangular cavity can have a length of about 3.38-3.48 inches and awidth of about 2.13-2.23 inches. The sliding drawer 105 can be slidablyattached to a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. Thecredit or identification card 165 can be accessible when the slidingdrawer 105 is in an open position, and the credit or identification cardcan be concealed when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Theprotective case 100 can include a compartment gasket disposed in agasket channel that extends around the perimeter of the back sidesurface of the protective case. The compartment gasket is configured toprovide a watertight seal against a sealing surface of the slidingdrawer 105 when the sliding drawer is in a closed position.

The protective case 100 can include a retention spring 120 extendingfrom a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. The retentionspring 120 can be configured to press the card 165 against an innersurface of the sliding drawer and prevent the card from rattling withinthe sliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Theretention spring can be configured to provide a spring force against aninner surface of the sliding drawer 105 to resist opening of the slidingdrawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position.

In some examples, the protective case 100 can include a mirror that isadhered to or formed on an inner surface of the sliding drawer 105, themirror being visible when the sliding drawer is in an open position andbeing concealed when the sliding drawer is in a closed position.

In some examples, the sliding drawer 105 can include a first raildisposed along a first edge and a second rail disposed along a secondedge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer is opposite the secondedge of the sliding drawer. The protective case 100 can include a firstrail receiver located proximate a first edge of the back side surfaceand a second rail receiver located proximate a second edge of the backside surface. The first rail receiver can be configured to receive thefirst rail on the sliding drawer, and the second rail receiver isconfigured to receive the second rail on the sliding drawer toeffectively couple the sliding drawer 105 to the back side surface 150of the protective case 100.

In other examples, the sliding drawer 105 can include a first railreceiver disposed along a first edge and a second rail receiver disposedalong a second edge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer isopposite the second edge of the sliding drawer. The protective case 100can include a first rail located proximate a first edge of the back sidesurface and a second rail located proximate a second edge of the backside surface. The first rail can be configured to engage the first railreceiver, and the second rail can be configured to engage the secondrail on the sliding drawer to effectively couple the sliding drawer 105to the back side surface 150 of the protective case 100.

In some examples, the compartment can be a liquid-tight compartment thatprevents water-sensitive items stored in the compartment from beingdamaged if the protective case (e.g. 100, 200) is submersed in water oris exposed to precipitation. In some examples, a waterproof compartmentcan be combined with any of the waterproof protective cases (“housings”)that are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739, filedon Sep. 17, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/029,739, a housing 1 for an electronic devicecan include a top member 2 having a perimeter portion forming a proximalend portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions. The topmember 2 can include a front surface 25 a and a back surface 25 bspanning from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion andacross the opposing side portions of the top member. The housing 1 canalso include a bottom member 3 that is configured to couple with theperimeter portion of the top member 2. The bottom member 3 of thehousing 1 can include a front surface, a back surface, and a side wallthat extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the bottommember. The side wall of the bottom member 3 can include an innersurface and an outer surface. The perimeter portion of the bottom member3 can include a channel 10 and a gasket 15, such as a compressibleO-ring, positioned at least partially therein, as shown in FIG. 3A ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739. The top member can have aflexible overmold and a first clasping mechanism 27 that runs along aportion or the entire perimeter of the top and/or bottom member.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 3A, the front 25 and back 35surfaces of the top 2 and bottom 3 members of the housing 1 include aperimeter portion 20 and 30, respectively. As depicted, the top member 2includes a perimeter portion 20. The perimeter portion 20 can include aninterior perimeter portion 20 a and an exterior perimeter portion 20 b.The interior perimeter portion 20 a can be made of a rigid material,such as a polycarbonate material or other polymer material, and can beconfigured for associating with an enclosed device so as to secure thedevice within the housing 1 and to dampen the transference of shock fromthe outer side of the housing to the interior of the housing. Theexterior perimeter portion 20 b can be composed of a flexible material,such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and can be positioned above andalong a side of the interior perimeter portion 20 a. The outer perimeterportion 20 b may function to reduce the magnitude of a shock forceresulting from an impact.

As can be seen with respect to embodiments shown in FIGS. 2D, 3A, and 3Din U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739, the top member 2 caninclude a first clasping mechanism 27, and the bottom member 3 caninclude a second clasping mechanism 37. The first and second claspingmechanisms (27, 37) can extend along the respective perimeters of thetop and bottom housings (2, 3). During assembly of the housing 1, thefirst and second clasping mechanisms 27, 37 can be configured to engageone another in such a manner so as to couple the top 2 and bottom 3members of the housing 1 together to form a waterproof housing.

The second clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3 can interfacewith the first clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 to maintain thetop member and the bottom member coupled together to form a waterproofhousing 1. The waterproof housing 1 can also include a waterproofcompartment that includes either a compartment door 205 or a slidingdrawer 105 as described herein. A compartment gasket (similar to thegasket 15 shown in FIG. 3A of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/029,739) can be formed around a perimeter of the sliding drawer 105or the compartment door 205, and the compartment gasket can beconfigured to provide a watertight seal against a rear surface of theprotective case when the waterproof compartment is closed. Either adynamic member (e.g. door or drawer) or a stationary member (e.g.protective case body) can contain a compartment gasket. In someexamples, the compartment gasket may be positioned in a gasket channellocated proximate the perimeter of the sliding drawer 105 or compartmentdoor 205. In other examples, the compartment gasket may be positioned ina gasket channel located on a rear surface of the protective case (e.g.100, 200). In some examples, the opposed member that does not include agasket channel may have an impinging member that extends downwards froman interior surface of a perimeter member. The impinging member can beinsertable into the gasket channel to compress against the compartmentgasket when the top and bottom members are coupled together so as toseal the interface there between. In various embodiments, a gasketchannel need not be included. Rather, the top or bottom member may becoated with a sealing member, and the impinging member on the opposedsurface of the top or bottom member interacts directly with the sealingmember to seal the interface. A clasping mechanism, such as an internalor external clasping mechanism, for instance, a circumferential claspingmechanism, e.g., within the channel, may be included, to secure the topmember against the bottom member and thereby further seal the interfacebetween the two.

Many electronic devices include an interactive touch screen made from,in part, sheet toughened glass and an array of touch sensors (e.g.capacitive or inductive touch sensors). Many users prefer the feel ofmaking direct contact with their finger to the touch screen surface asopposed to making direct contact with a transparent polymer sheet thatcovers the touch screen surface. To eliminate the need for a polymerscreen cover disposed over the device's touch screen to achieve awaterproof case, the protective case (e.g. 100, 200) can instead includea top member gasket 15 a that is configured to seal against a perimeterof a front surface of the electronic device, as shown and described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583, filed Jun. 13, 2012, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The top membergasket 15 a can be positioned within a top member channel 10 a and canfunction such that as the top member 2 is installed on an electronicdevice, the top member gasket 15 a contacts a surface of an electronicdevice, such as a top surface of the touch screen, and is therebycompressed against the surface of the electronic device forming a sealtherewith. The seal is further secured by the top member 2 being coupledto the bottom member 3 so as to form the housing 1. The seal generatedby the coupling of the top member 2 with the electronic device and/orthe further coupling of the top member 2 with the bottom member 3 is asecure, substantially waterproof and/or water resistant and/orsubstantially shockproof and/or substantially shock resistant sealbetween the member 2 and the top surface of the electronic device, suchas a top surface of a touch-sensitive display.

Any of the waterproof protective cases (housings) described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583 can be combined with a waterproofcompartment as described herein to provide a fully waterproof protectivecase (e.g. 100, 200) that includes a waterproof storage compartment, andpermits direct interaction with the electronic device's touch screen.The waterproof compartment can include either a compartment door 205 asshown in FIGS. 3-5, or a sliding drawer 105, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.A compartment gasket (similar to the gasket 15 shown in FIG. 3A of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739 or similar to the gasket 15 ashown in FIGS. 4C-4J of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583) canbe formed around a perimeter of the sliding drawer 105 or thecompartment door 205 or around a perimeter of the back surface of thebottom member 3. The compartment gasket can be configured to provide awatertight seal between the sliding drawer 105 (or compartment door 205in other examples) and the rear surface of the housing 1 when thewaterproof compartment is in a closed position. Either a dynamic member(e.g. door or drawer) or the stationary member (e.g. protective casebody) can contain a compartment gasket. In some examples, thecompartment gasket may be positioned in a gasket channel locatedproximate the perimeter of the sliding drawer 105 or compartment door205. In other examples, the compartment gasket may be positioned in agasket channel located on a back surface of the bottom member 3 of thehousing (e.g. 100, 200). In some examples, the opposed member that doesnot include a gasket channel may have an impinging member that extendsdownwards from an interior surface of a perimeter member. The impingingmember can be insertable into the gasket channel to compress against thecompartment gasket when the top and bottom members are coupled togetherso as to seal the interface there between. In some embodiments, a gasketchannel need not be included. Rather, the top or bottom member (2, 3)may include a sealing member (e.g. an overmolded gasket or aform-in-place gasket), and the impinging member on the opposed surfaceof the top or bottom member can interact directly with the sealingmember to seal the interface. A clasping mechanism, such as an internalor external clasping mechanism (e.g. a circumferential claspingmechanism) may be included, to secure the top member against the bottommember and thereby further seal an interface between the two members toform a liquid-tight housing.

In examples shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739, awaterproof housing 1 for a personal electronic device can include a topmember 2 having a perimeter portion forming a proximal end portion, adistal end portion, and opposing side portions. The top member 2 caninclude a first clasping mechanism 27 extending around at least aportion of the perimeter portion of the top member. The housing 1 caninclude a bottom member 3 having a perimeter portion forming a proximalend portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions. Thebottom member 3 can have a front surface and a back surface spanningfrom the proximal end portion to the distal end portion and spanningacross the opposing side portions of the bottom member. The bottommember 3 can include second clasping mechanism 37 extending around atleast a portion of the perimeter portion of the bottom member. Thehousing can include a gasket (e.g. 15) positioned in a channel (e.g. 10)located in the perimeter portion of the bottom member 3. The perimeterportion of the top member 2 can be configured to press against andcompress the gasket in the gasket channel when the first claspingmechanism 27 engages the second clasping mechanism 37 when top member 2is coupled to the bottom member 3 to form the waterproof housing 1. Thewaterproof housing (e.g. 1, 100, 200) can also include a waterproofcompartment proximate a back surface of the bottom member 3. Thewaterproof compartment can be defined by a volume located between aninner surface of a compartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 and theback surface of the bottom member 3. The waterproof compartment can beconfigured to store one or more items other than the personal electronicdevice (e.g. payment card, identification card, SIM card, memory card,keys, cosmetics, or cash). The one or more stored items can beaccessible when the compartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 is in anopen position, and the one or more stored items can be concealed whenthe compartment door or drawer is in a closed position.

In examples shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583, thewaterproof housing 1 can further include a top member gasket 15 aextending from an inner perimeter portion of the top member 2. The topmember gasket 15 a can be configured to contact and compress against atop surface of the personal electronic device to form a liquid-tightseal therewith when the personal electronic device is installed in thetop member 2 and when the top member is coupled to the bottom member 3to form the waterproof housing 1.

In some examples, the waterproof compartment 1 can include a slot formedon an inner surface of the sliding drawer 105 (see, e.g. FIGS. 10, 13,and 16) or formed on an inner surface of the compartment door 205,depending on the configuration and functionality of the protective case.The slot can receive and retain a SIM card, computer memory card,payment card, or identification card.

In some examples, the waterproof case or housing (1, 100, 200) caninclude a mirror attached to or formed on an inner surface of thecompartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 or attached to a back sidesurface of the protective case. The housing can also include a quantityof cosmetics disposed within a shallow receptacle formed in an innersurface of the waterproof compartment. In some instances, a cosmetictool for applying the quantity of cosmetics can be removably attached tothe inner surface of the waterproof compartment.

The compartment can provide enhanced security for stored payment cards.In some examples, the compartment can include a shielding material thatprotects any payment cards having magnetic strips or electroniccomponents from being damaged or interfered with by magnetic fieldsoriginating outside of the compartment or protective case. The magneticshielding can also protect any payment cards having magnetic strips orelectronic components from being damaged or interfered with by magneticfields produced by the personal electronic device housed in theprotective case or housing (e.g. 1, 100, 200). In some instances, theshielding material can cover all internal surfaces of the compartmentand can include, for example, a thin layer of metal foil, magneticshielding polyester (PET) film, metalized fabric, metalized glass fiber(MGF), or a thin layer of metallic paint. In some instances, theshielding material can be integrated or mixed into the material used toform the compartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 of the compartmentand, therefore, may not be a separate component from the door or drawer.When a payment card or electronic component is stored within the closedcompartment, the shielding material can prevent information that isstored within or on any payment card or electronic component (e.g. RFIDchip) from being inadvertently or maliciously read by a wireless cardreader. This security feature can prevent a user's payment cardinformation from being acquired by another person unbeknownst to theuser. This feature can also prevent a mobile point of sale frominadvertently acquiring the user's payment card information as a resultof the user's payment card being in close proximity to the mobile pointof sale even though the user has not initiated or approved a commercialtransaction.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the claims to the embodiments disclosed. Other modifications andvariations may be possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application to enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the claims be construed to include other alternativeembodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case for use with an electronicdevice, the protective case comprising: a cushion layer configured tocover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the protective case; and a structural layerconfigured to surround at least a portion of the cushion layer, thestructural layer comprising: a back portion; at least two side wallsconnected to and extending from the back portion; a slot in the backportion for removably retaining a card; and a rack and pinion systemconfigured for selectively ejecting the card, at least partially, fromthe slot.
 2. The protective case of claim 1 wherein the card is a creditcard or an identification card and the slot is sized to fit the card. 3.The protective case of claim 1 wherein the rack and pinion systemcomprises: a rotatable dial accessible at an outer surface of the backportion; a pinion configured to rotate in response to rotation of thedial; and a rack engaged with the pinion and configured to move inresponse to rotation of the pinion to at least partially push the cardout of the slot.
 4. The protective case of claim 3 further comprising asecond slot in the back portion for removably retaining a second card.5. The protective case of claim 4 wherein the rack and pinion systemfurther comprises: a second pinion configured to rotate in response torotation of the dial; and a second rack engaged with the second pinionand configured to move in response to rotation of the second pinion toat least partially push the second card out of the second slot.
 6. Theprotective case of claim 5 wherein the first pinion rotates in responseto rotation of the dial in a first direction and second pinion rotatesin response to rotation of the dial in a second direction.
 7. Theprotective case of claim 6 further comprising one or more clutches forpreventing rotation of the first pinion when the dial is rotated in thesecond direction.
 8. The protective case of claim 6 further comprisingone or more clutches for preventing rotation of the second pinion whenthe dial is rotated in the first direction.
 9. The protective case ofclaim 1 wherein the slot is sized to have an interference fit with thecard.
 10. The protective case of claim 3 further comprising a shaft fortransferring force from the rotatable dial to the pinion, wherein theshaft is attached to the pinion.
 11. The protective case of claim 10further comprising a first gear attached to the shaft, wherein the firstgear engages a second gear of the rotatable dial for transferring theforce from the rotatable dial to the pinion.
 12. A protective case foran electronic device, the protective case comprising: a shell configuredto cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is installed in the protective case; a slot in a back portion ofthe shell for removably storing a card, wherein the card is one of acredit card, an identification card, and a driver's license; and anejection mechanism configured for ejecting the card from the slot inresponse to an input from a user of the protective case at an outersurface of the protective case, the ejection mechanism including a rackand a pinion.
 13. The protective case of claim 12 further comprising: adial rotatable by the user for receiving the input from the user,wherein the pinion is configured to rotate in response to the rotationof the dial, and wherein the rack is engaged with the pinion andconfigured to move in response to the rotation of the pinion to forcethe card at least partially out of the slot.
 14. The protective case ofclaim 12 further comprising a second slot, a second pinion, and a secondrack engaged with the second pinion, wherein the second rack isconfigured to move in response to the rotation of the second pinion toat least partially push a second card out of the second slot.
 15. Theprotective case of claim 14 wherein the first pinion rotates in responseto movement of the ejection mechanism in a first direction and thesecond pinion rotates in response to movement of the ejection mechanismin a second direction.
 16. The protective case of claim 13 furthercomprising a clutch system attached to the rotatable dial.
 17. Aprotective case for use with an electronic device, the protective casecomprising: a structural layer configured to surround at least a portionof the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in theprotective case; a slot at an outer surface of a back portion of thestructural layer for removably storing a card, wherein the card is oneof a credit card, an identification card, and a driver's license; and anejection mechanism accessible at the outer surface of the structurallayer, the ejection mechanism configured for at least partially ejectingthe card from the slot in response to a force applied to the ejectionmechanism, the ejection mechanism including one or more gears and afinger that applies a force to a side edge of the card to at leastpartially eject the card from the slot in response to the force appliedto the ejection mechanism at the outer surface.
 18. The protective caseof claim 17 wherein the slot includes a soft material providing aninterference fit between the slot and the card, wherein the softmaterial deflects when the card is inserted into the slot.
 19. Theprotective case of claim 17 wherein the ejection mechanism include adial accessible at the outer surface of the structural layer and a shaftconnecting the dial to the one or more gears.
 20. The protective case ofclaim 17 further comprising a second slot for removably storing a secondcard, wherein the first slot is separated from the second slot by adivider.